What happened on September 11, 2001, might mean little to you if you weren’t even born yet.
You can learn history by opening a book. Or you can understand it by experiencing the nation’s capital while staying in Arlington, Virginia.
On the day hijacked airliners crashed into the World Trade Center in New York and a remote field in western Pennsylvania, another plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, including 184 at the Pentagon.
In Arlington, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial honors the 184 people whose lives were lost at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77. Visiting the memorial is just one way that travel to Arlington changes you.
See for yourself why so many people are in awe of the memorials, museums and landmarks in the capital area. You can take a guided tour or explore on foot at Arlington National Cemetery, visit the gravesites of two presidents, and see the elaborate ritual of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Nearby, visit the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), which represents the nation’s gratitude to Marines.
See the amazing capital skyline from the wooded pathways at Theodore Roosevelt Island or connect with nature by experiencing the exhibits, live animal displays and gardens of Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park, property once owned by George Washington.
It’s hard to experience a trip to the capital without leaving just a little bit more patriotic or interested in public service. You can even come home with a special badge as a Junior Special Agent after a visit to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Museum & Visitors Center, which explores the history of illegal drugs in America.
When it’s time to fly away, Reagan National Airport offers a tour about aviation safety and security, including a look at the airport fire station and demonstration of the K-9 explosives detection team.
Why have so many generations of students traveled to the capital area? Because Arlington is the place where history and fun intersect! Learn more at www.stayarlington.com.
Photo courtesy of Robert D. Ward.
